SOLUTION: Need some help with polynomials! Question: Find p(-1 + a) if p(x) = 3x^2 - 2x + 4. Please show me how to complete problems like these. I'm a little lost!

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Need some help with polynomials! Question: Find p(-1 + a) if p(x) = 3x^2 - 2x + 4. Please show me how to complete problems like these. I'm a little lost!      Log On


   

Question 404223: Need some help with polynomials! Question:
Find p(-1 + a) if p(x) = 3x^2 - 2x + 4.
Please show me how to complete problems like these. I'm a little lost!
Answer by MathLover1(20850) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Find p%28-1+%2B+a%29 if p%28x%29+=+3x%5E2+-+2x+%2B+4

p%28x%29+=+3x%5E2+-+2x+%2B+4........substitute x with %28-1+%2B+a%29

p%28-1+%2B+a%29+=+3%28-1+%2B+a%29%5E2+-2%28-1+%2B+a%29%2B4

p%28-1+%2B+a%29+=+3%28%28-1%29%5E2-2a%2B+a%5E2%29%2B2-2a%2B4

p%28-1+%2B+a%29+=+3+-6a%2B+3a%5E2+%2B2-2a%2B4


p%28-1+%2B+a%29+=+3a%5E2+-8a%2B+9